Julian’s marathon effort to help children in poverty in Uganda

Friday June 10th 2016

Julian Netherton with his London Marathon 2016 medal.

Julian Netherton, a member of Lisburn Cathedral, ran the Virgin Money London Marathon 2016 and in the process raised almost £1,500 towards the work of Abaana.

Julian completed the marathon in a very creditable 4 hours 12 minutes.

He said: “It was an amazing experience to be part of such an event, with thousands of people taking part and running past so many iconic and historic landmarks. I am so grateful to friends and colleagues for all their support and to Jog Lisburn Running Club for kindly giving me their allocated place, and all their encouragement during my preparations.

“A huge thank you also to all those who so generously sponsored me and helped raise an amazing total for the work of Abaana, with the neediest children in Uganda.”

Julian was cheered on by wife Julie and sons, Jack and Sam.

Abaana is a local charity, based in Bangor, County Down, which has been working to help children living in poverty in Africa, principally in Uganda, for the last 18 years. Abaana has built 13 primary schools, currently provides sponsorship for some 1,350 children to receive an education and works with children living rough on the streets of Kampala in Uganda. Visit www.abaana.org for more information.

A spokesperson for Abaana said: “We are so grateful to Julian for all his efforts in preparing for and completing the London Marathon in aid of Abaana. The funds raised will make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of boys and girls living in poverty in Uganda.

“This is not the first time Julian has run a marathon and raised funds for Abaana. He successfully completed his first marathon last year in Belfast. A huge thank you to Julian and to all those who supported him.”

More than 50% of Ugandans are under the age of 15. 2.7 million children in Uganda are orphans, 1.2 million losing their parents to AIDS.
30% of children living on the streets have never been to school.